The Coast Guard dispatched a rescue boat and helicopter, which began searching a narrow strip of beachfront at the southern end of the resort town's boardwalk. But two hours later nothing had been found and police had not received any missing person report.

Police say there were people on the beach who didn't know anything about it. Police say usually a swimmer in distress will generate a lot of emergency calls and excited people running up to officers.

There have been five ocean drownings at the Jersey Shore this summer. All occurred while there were no lifeguards on duty.